The regents published a full-color brochure touting the university's accomplishments over 19 pages. The vision includes a "bold future" with plans to grow the 43,626 enrollment to 64,250 by 2025. Signature programs are highlighted, including agriculture, optical science, planetary science and anthropology.

The brochure promotes the university's $606 million in annual research grants as well as the basketball team's acclaimed reputation.

And if a potential candidate needs further convincing? Tucson has "more than 350 days of sunshine," the brochure states.

Hart's history with the UA

She had been at the center of controversy for deciding to take a $170,000-a-year side job as a board member for the company that operates the for-profit DeVry University. Critics called the appointment a conflict of interest and said it tarnished the UA's name. But Hart maintained that her experience helping public university students achieve their academic goals would benefit DeVry students.

She also faced questions about the UA's college of medicine and the exodus of its leaders.

Hart was hired in 2012 to take over after then-President Robert Shelton left to take a job overseeing the Fiesta Bowl. She was the president of Temple University in Philadelphia for six years before coming to Arizona and before that, president at the University of New Hampshire for four years.

Hart created a strategic plan at the UA called "Never Settle" aimed at preserving quality and supporting key university initiatives. She put in place a tuition-guarantee plan that has been popular.

The search for president

The regents hired a search consultant, R. William Funk & Associates, last year to help with the presidential search. Shoopman said the consultant and others talked to nearly 150 people to gauge their interest in the UA job.

Between 40 to 50 expressed "serious interest" in the position, he said.

Nationally, the two most common paths to becoming a university president are to be a provost or a dean first, said James Finkelstein. He is an emeritus professor at George Mason University who researches college president contracts.

Presidents of smaller schools also may aspire to lead larger universities.

The typical president is a white male in his early 60s. The average tenure is 7½ years, he said.

"A lot of presidents only serve as president once because these jobs come later in their careers," he said.